How to Install a 4WD Awning: A Step-by-Step Guide

Posted by Rugged 4x4 Adventure Gear on 5th Nov 2024

Instructions

Rugged 4x4 recommends that awnings be installed to your vehicle by an accredited experienced 4wd accessories installer.

Step 1

Check your box for any external damage. Open your box carefully making sure you do not cut through to the awning.Once the box is open, check all componentry is there.

Also check the awning for any damage. If damage is present, take photos and do not install. Leave it in the box and contact us. Otherwise, once installed, any claim of damage will be rejected.

Step 2

Place your awning on a padded Surface with the backing plate facing up to ensure you do not damage the outer bag
of the awning.

Open the accessory bag supplied with the awning to find the bolts supplied to bolt the awning to the brackets. (Fixings required to bolt the brackets to the vehicle are not in the accessory bag and are to be outsourced to suit your required application).

Accessories included in the accessory bags are all different as per your awning model.

Step 3

Mount your bracket to your desired platform, canopy or cross members. (Ensure brackets mounting as below)

270 Awnings

No more than 200mm of awning overhang from the rear bracket and no more than 450mm of awning overhang from the front bracket. A 3rd center bracket can be installed as shown, if your specific installation requires.

180 Awnings

No more than 450mm of awning overhang from the rear bracket and no more than 450mm of awning overhang from the front bracket. A 3rd center bracket can be installed as shown, if your specific installation requires.

Step 4

Slide the supplied bolts into the top & bottom rails of the backing plate of the awning (2 bolts per bracket) minimum.

Use a tape measure to position your bolts accordingly to the desired distance to match your brackets on the vehicle.

Step 5

Now, the awning can be lifted in to place. This will require 2 people to hold the awning in position while locating the bolts on the backing plate to the holes on the brackets. Once theawning has been lifted to the br ackets and all bolts are in

position through the brackets, thread the supplied nuts on to the bolts.

Step 6

Slide the supplied bolts into the top & bottom rails of the backing plate of the awning (2 bolts per bracket) minimum.

Use a tape measure to position your bolts accordingly to the desired distance to match your brackets on the vehicle.

Step 7

Remove the 8 plastic caps on the backing plate of the awning (4 on each end of the awning) to check and tighten all the hinge bracket bolts. Once tightened, reinstall the plastic caps.

How to open the awning once installed

Undo the zipper on the bag.

Fold the bag over the top of the awning towards the middle of the car.

Make sure that you fold the back end of the bag all the way back so there is no pinch point between the arms and the backing plate (270 Degree Awning Only).

Open the front arms and attach the ratchet straps parallel back to the roof rack but leave it loose.

Open the rear arms and attach the ratchet straps from the awning back parallel to the roof rack.

Tighten the rear first then tighten the front.

MAKE SURE THAT YOU DO NOT ATTACH IN A DOWNWARD DIRECTION UNLESS LEGS ARE IN USE.

Awning Care Instructions

1.

Keep it Dry

Awnings must be dry before packing up

2.

Keep it Clean

Make sure the awning is free of debris when packing it up as this could cause damage to the fabric.

3.

Detergants are a No No!

Use cold or warm water and a soft brush to clean. Never use detergents or soap.

Safety Disclaimer

• Always ensure when opening or operating a semi automatic opening awning that all people stand at least a minimum of 5m from the awning when opening and closing to prevent injury to people or damage to the awning.

• Awning brackets and bolts need to be checked regularly to ensure they are secure especially before and after rough terrain or travelling corrugated roads.

• When using awning legs, guy ropes and rain tab ropes ensure you are aware of your surrounding so you are not causing a trip hazard to prevent personal injury and awning damage. All ground pegs should be installed at below ground level to ensure they are not a trip hazard.

• At all time make sure all naked flames, open fires, gas cooking, gas heaters are at an appropriate distance from the awning or walls to ensure that any airborne embers do not come into contact with the awning. The appropriate fire extinguishers/water need to be on hand at all times.

• Children must be supervised at all times when around the awning to prevent personal injury or damage to the awning.

• Awnings should never be left unattended.

• Appropriate tie down to secure your awning during wind gusts and rain will require tie down to the tie down points of each arm.

• Although Rugged 4x4 awnings are freestanding, we do not recommend using your awning in windy conditions. Any awnings damaged, personal injury, vehicle damage, personal property damages caused by excessive use in stormy weather, excessive winds, and rain will not be covered under warranty.

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